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Original poster

Shellac/ Gel Nails- which brand are best

15 replies

magentasurprise · 08/04/2014 22:22

I want to get my nails painted with one of the long lasting gel/ gel type polishes but I'm not sure what to go for.

What would you recommend for quality, longevity, range of colours, etc
Are any of them worse of causing damage to the nail than others?

I'm a bit of a nail novice but would like to use something for a special event.

Many thanks.

OP posts:
Dumpylump · 09/04/2014 01:21

CND shellac is the one you want! Will last for up to a fortnight, is super shiny, and as long as its applied and then removed by a fully trained nail tech, it won't damage your nails either Smile

Jelly15 · 09/04/2014 08:01

I used to have Shellac but after a few months my nails were weak and the varnish lifted after a few days. I have been having POP Gel and for a year now and they last almost 3weeks.

Dumpylump · 09/04/2014 08:25

I don't know that very long term use is advised for any of these types of products, but for one-off special occasion like the op is asking about, there should be no problem at all....providing you go back to the salon to have it properly removed.

flux500 · 09/04/2014 10:07

Shellac is easier to get off as after acetone soak it lifts into lots if little peices that you scrape off with orange stick.

Opi gel uses the same removal method as shellac but it comes off as one peice and this can take longer depending on how much grab it's had on your nail. Because of this the opi gel seems more damaging but I don't think the actual product is, it's the removal.

Some places like to remove by buffing with an electrical buffer - say no to this at all costs. It destroys the nail and it grows back thin and weak.

I've had both for long periods of time and my nails are not damaged at all - though after removal they are dry and I have to oil a lot.

Shellac is super shiny.
French lifts quicker than full colour on both opi and shellac.
Shellac has less colours.

Original poster
magentasurprise · 09/04/2014 16:26

Many thanks everyone.

I think I will give the shellac a try unless anyone else comes along with bad experiences.

OP posts:
catstolemypants · 09/04/2014 17:04

im a nail tech I use gelish this is the origional gel polish if the tech is good it will not damage your nails and lasts three weeks as with most salon treatments be it skun hair or nails its the tech not the product that causes damage. Gelish is great, full on gloss and the best colour range x hth x

floppyfanjo · 09/04/2014 17:56

Shellac is removed by filing off - don't ever attempt to remove yourself as this is what causes the damage to nails.This is a job for a pro (if you dont want to cause any damage)

Gelish is removed by soaking in acetone -you can do this yourself by wrapping cotton pads soaked in acetone in tin foil,leave for about 15 mins and GENTLY push the gelish off with a cuticle stick ( if it doesn't come off easily re wrap and try again in a few mins)

Remember its not the polish its self that will cause damage its sloppy removal ( either DIY or by an inexperienced pro)

crutchlow35 · 09/04/2014 19:01

I really don't rate shellac at all. Gellish works best for me although the makers of shellac have a new polish out. It lasts 7 days, doesn't need cured under a lamp and comes off with polish remover. That did last 7 days on me so I am likely to try that again.

Dollydowser · 09/04/2014 19:19

Shellac is useless on my nails, I had it redone in a shop after only 2 days as it chipped, same thing happened again.

flux500 · 09/04/2014 20:12

Floppy shellac is definatlely not removed by filing off! I'm worried your nail tech has done that! Shellac is a hybrid and is one of the easiest to remove by acetone.

I must have had shellac 100 times and if the layers are really thin it should not chip unless your hands are in and out of water. Removal is easy after a 20 min acetone foil wrap soak and I always remove myself.

I've not had gelish but my manicurist is always in gelish when the does my nails and it lasts her for ages but she says it's the hardest of the 3 to get off. I've never had it for that reason but if there was a specific colour I wanted I would go for gelish too.

I'm having opi gel tomorrow - no idea what colour lol :)

fluffydressinggown · 09/04/2014 20:49

I like OPI gels the best, they have lasted the longest for me.

MrsC1966 · 09/04/2014 20:59

I have had Biosculpture for the last 3 years. I get them changed every 3 weeks. Longer lasting than Shellac but you need a good nail technician who won't file your nails before or after! With the right products the process can be non-damaging but a bad nail technician can completely ruin your nails whatever product is used. Ask around and go on personal recommendation. Check that the nail technician attends regular training updates and hasn't just done a one off course. I love my gel nails - my nails are long and they always look lovely. Please be aware, for some ladies with naturally oily nails, nails can peel or flake (rare but it does happen)

ElBombero · 09/04/2014 23:47

What is POP?

SconeRhymesWithGone · 09/04/2014 23:59

I have had Shellac, Gelish, and OPI. I prefer OPI. I agree Shellac is easier to remove, but it does not last as long for me as Gelish and OPI. I think OPI has the best color selection, too.

ElBombero · 10/04/2014 20:36

Is the gelish nail harmony?

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